World Cup and European leagues

[Mr. Ypsi]

Just noticed that I posted my comments on the Czech Republic/Turkey game on the pick-em board instead of here, but I won't waste Pat's electrons repeating it!

[Superfoot Wallace]

Ever were the points and goal differential in the above posited scenario matched, would still probably take a back seat to what transpired between the Turks and Czechs today.

3 unanswered goals by Turkey well after the 74th minute; this with the Czech Republic fielding what the announcers argue as the best goalkeeper on the planet.  In the loss to Portugal he'd made some saves that seemed almost preternatural.

Turkey's goalkeeper, a specimen at 6'7 in his own right, draws a red card and suspension for the Croat game.  The play by play had said the Turks might lose some composure being down two goals; guess the effects of the pressure don't themselves dissipate with relief.  

signed,
Particle Man

[cawcdad]

The Turks just played a furious pace for the last 25-30 minutes and the Czechs looked they didn't know what was happening. All they could do it seemed was clear, regroup and prepare for the next onslaught.

How will the Turkish goal keeper's ejection hurt them in the next game? Stupid move on his part!

[Superfoot Wallace]

Koller's a pretty big guy.  Not as tall but overall bigger than than the Turk keeper, probably helped sell the flop a little.  Thought Koller, though he did somewhat come at the Portuguese goalkeeper spikes up once, as an individual was getting absolutely mugged by the Portuguese earlier this week; but his teammates weren't helping his cause as this whole group has been hotly contested.

That might be Koller's role for the Czech side.  His presence alone triggers a fight or flight response.  As in hockey, the goons aren't just there to knock star player's chiclets out but get them put in the box for the fight alone.  Koller could probably play blocking tight end in the other football.

signed,
Triangle Man

[sac]

Monday

Croatia and Germany to win.

[Mr. Ypsi]

As we await more games, a mini-quiz:

Of the truly dumb big-game red cards over the past two years, which is the dumbest?

Rooney's 'groin stomp' vs. Portugal (WC 06) [May have made no real difference, or may have iced England's elimination.]

Zidane's 'head butt' vs. Italy (WC title game 06) [Probably didn't affect the outcome, but what a stain to a magnificent career on the world's largest stage!]

Drogba's 'insult slap' vs. ManU  (Champs League final 08) [Geez, man - if you're gonna get yourself thrown out, at least punch out the guy!]

Volkan Demeril's 'shove down' of Koller (today, Euro 08 group final) [Fortunately, only a minute or so to go, since Turkey had already used their 3 subs and had to put a field player in goal - could have cost the match.  May cost them the next match against Croatia; anyone know anything about backup GK, Rustu Recber?]

My apologies if I left out any 'idiots' (further nominations welcomed! ), and granted that all were dumb, the question is: "Who had THE dumbest meltdown of all?!"

[WLCALUM83]

2010 World Cup Qualifier Finals:

Mexico 2, Belize 0.

Paraguay 2, Brazil 0.

US 8, Barbados 0.

[Hoosier Titan]

Wow, you've picked out all the main contenders I can think of for the dumbest red!  And you've reminded me of why I originally didn't like Cristiano Ronaldo--the wink as he walked by Rooney. 

But I think, taking into account the situations and the implications of the player leaving the field right then, it's a tossup between Drogba and Demeril--Drogba's foolish little slap v. Demeril's shove. 

That was one of the most amazing comebacks ever by Turkey.  Tuncay and Nihat were tremendous.

[ScotsFan]

But I think, taking into account the situations and the implications of the player leaving the field right then, it's a tossup between Drogba and Demeril--Drogba's foolish little slap v. Demeril's shove. 

I would have to say the verdict could still be out on Demeril, but I also give him the edge as far as foolilsh ejections go.  Those other ejections may have been costly, but they were all in their team's final games.  None of them resulted in a suspension.  Demeril not only put his team at risk for the final moments of the game without a true keeper, he is also putting his team in a hole for their quarterfinal match now having to rely on their backup keeper.  I just know I went from being shocked by the unbelievable Turkish comeback to being absolutely stunned by that ejection.  What a horrible way to tarnish what has to be one of Turkey's bright spots in their footballing history.

But with that said, who knows.  Maybe Turkey's backup keeper will come on with a heroric effort to lift the Turks over the Croats and all will be forgiven...

[Greek Tragedy]

Last Round of Group Stage Games

Wed:  Russia v Sweden...I'll wait until after today's results
Wed:  Greece v Spain...ditto

Sweden and Greece. 

[Greek Tragedy]

Group A:
Pilsner Urquell to win...Portugal?
Istanbul or Constantinople to win...Turkey

Group B:
same as 83's Germany and Poland

GroupC:
only addendum F-N tie/draw...France and Netherland tie, Italy and Romania? ? ?



Group D:
same as 83's...Spain and Greece

signed,
Zidane (Gorgy Rules Apply)

Sorry for my lack of, ahem, clarity regarding round 2, the Romanians and Italians.

signed,
Ukio Bankas

They played each other.  Draw?

[Greek Tragedy]

Round 2 of Group Games

Game	RES.	O.S.	Pts	WLC	Pts	Sac	Pts	Mac	Pts
Czh/Port	Port	Port	2	Port	2	Port	2	Port	2
Switz/Turk	Turk	Swi	0	Tie	1	Swi	0	Turk	2
Croat/Germ	Croa	Germ	0	Germ	0	Germ	0	Germ	0
Aust/Pol	Tie	Tie	2	Pol	1	Pol	1	Pol	1
Italy/Rom	Tie	Italy	1	Italy	1	Italy	1	Italy	1
Neth/Fran	Neth	Tie	1	Neth	2	Neth	2	Tie	1
Swed/Spain	Spain	Spain	2	Spain	2	Spain	2	Spain	2
Gre/Rus	Russ	Gree	0	Gree	0	Russ	2	Russ	2
Total			8		9		10		11

[Greek Tragedy]

WLC-22
OS-20
Sac-15
Mac-11

[sac]

Romania to win, Italy and France to draw 0-0 with all 22 players sent off.

[cawcdad]

The Germans played just well enough to win. On Ballack's goal the ball seemed to have a jet engine. Wow!

Can you believe both coaches sent off for "constant bickering" with the officials?

Tomorrow's games should be interesting. Romainia against a resting Dutch side and Italy-France, both teams playing for survival.